Was Lance Armstrong banned from the Bank of America Chicago Marathon? Yes. The athlete will not be permitted to participate in the event. The U.S. Anti-Drug Agency (USADA) recently banned the disgraced cyclist from the sport of cycling for life after he decided to stop fighting doping charges that had been brought against him. However, that ban does extend to other sports in addition to cycling.
A Sept. 7, 2012 article from The Huffington Post reported, "Chicago Marathon director Carey Pinkowski told the Chicago Tribune that, though Armstrong had not yet formally entered the race, 'they had some indication from his charity (Livestrong) that Lance might have been interested in running.'"
Banned athletes cannot enter any races that are sanctioned by USA Track & Field. They also cannot compete in any sports that are governed by federations that are signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code. Now, that ban has been upheld by the organizers of the Chicago Marathon even though Armstrong has not even registered for the race. He was also banned from the Ironman France. It was not a personal decision. The organizers of those events are simply upholding the decision set forth by the USADA.
Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles related to charges that he used performance-enhancing drugs while competing, but he has been permitted to keep his 2000 Sydney Olympic Games bronze medal, so far.
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